According to Sgt. Steve Merchant, the department started a new school visitation program in January that has been a success.

Rather than waiting for a call of something happening, officers daily visit schools in an effort to promote positive interactions with school staff, students and parents.

When they can, officers visit during recess, so they can interact with children on the playground. On Wednesday, officer Ken Husman visited Weston Elementary School, giving out badge stickers to children.

He said the school check program is making officers more approachable.

“Meeting the kids on their playground and making them feel safe is great,” Husman said in a news release.